This Old Gun: Beretta M1934

by
posted on July 8, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Watch our American Rifleman TV video above to learn about the Beretta Model 1934.

Title screen for "I Have This Old Gun" Beretta 1934 Pistol with text on image.

Beretta’s M1934 semi-automatic pistol laid the groundwork for the company's later models, including the modern designs we know today. The models open-top design is certainly a distinguishing feature of the double-action pistol’s slide. The Beretta Model 1934’s cutting-edge design found wide distribution and was commissioned for official duty with the Italian military.

Left-side view of Beretta 1934 pistol with inventory tag.

The world’s oldest gunmaker got right with the M1934. The direct-blowback-operated pistol has a slide that locks back on empty magazine. It offers a thin, single-stack design that is easily carried concealed.

The Model 1934 is a compact pistol chambered for .380 ACP that allows for a seven-round detachable-box single-column magazine. The magazine’s release is affixed to the heel below the lanyard ring. The design provides double-action lockwork with an exposed hammer at the rear. Serrations are found at the rear of the slide.

Right-side view of Beretta 1934 pistol on white background.

Its stocks are made of steel-backed rubber, which, at the time of its release, was a brilliant addition to the handling and longevity of the panels. The pistol provides sights for aiming its 3.7” barrel and is comprised of just 39 parts and makes for a shootable and reliable sidearm.

Man with protective shooting gear on a range with a Beretta pistol.


Beretta’s Model 1934 design was a success. One year after its inauguration, a version chambered for .32 ACP was released. The Model 1934 design set the foundation for the M9 service pistol decades later.

Left-side view of Beretta 1934 pistol.

Watch our American Rifleman TV “ I Have This Old Gun” feature segment to learn more about the Beretta M1934 pistol.

Latest

Range Ready Plinkapalooza 1
Range Ready Plinkapalooza 1

Shooting Is Fun: How I Rediscovered the Benefits of Rimfire

A recent event at Range Ready in Robert, La., reminded us how much fun the simple rimfire firearm can be, whether in handgun, carbine or rifle form.

New for 2026: Daniel Defense MUTE30Ti & NULL9Ti Suppressors

Daniel Defense was one of the first manufacturers to employ additive manufacturing techniques in suppressor-making, and now, the company has expanded its line with the MUTE30Ti and NULL9Ti silencers.

The Fight for America’s Rifle

Despite the warning we’ll sue to protect commonly owned AR-type rifles, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed Senate Bill 749, which will make it illegal to sell, purchase, import, manufacture or transfer such firearms starting on July 1. 

Gun of the Week: Henry Repeating Arms SPD Predator

The new SPD Predator, an extension of Henry's magazine-fed Lever Action Supreme Rifle design, looks to extract the greatest possible degree of accuracy and precision from a modern lever gun.

The Armed Citizen® May 15, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Politically Incorrect Truth About the Armed Citizen

The Second Amendment doesn’t—and should not be treated as if—it ends at state lines. American citizens need the national reciprocity legislation that is now active in Congress.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.